Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Clair Gaston. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Clair, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Yes! I am so happy about being an artist. I get to choose what I focus on, and follow my interests as much as possible. This lights me up, connects me with nature, and satisfies my curiosity,

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m an artist and instructor living in Central Texas. My subjects are botanicals, still life, and landscapes. I work in colored pencil, watercolor, and oil paint. I’ve always loved color, art, and nature. I studied painting and drawing in college, and earned and bachelor’s and masters degree in Art. I enjoy teaching painting classes and botanical Illustration classes, which allow me to share my love of making art with others.
I find inspiration on my daily walks through natural areas; by tending my garden; reading about artists and art history; and teaching painting and drawing classes. I am drawn to native plants and ecosystems, and places where I can experience them near my home.

In my garden I grow plants that help me learn about relationships in my environment. I’m passionate about plants, their place in the ecosystem, and life cycles.
Like Texas native pipevine, which is a host plant for the pipevine swallowtail butterfly. I watch them lay eggs, then caterpillars hatch and eat the plant voraciously. Soon they form a chrysalis, then emerge as beautiful iridescent Pipevine swallowtail butterflies. By observing this, I made a botanical Illustration drawing of all parts of the pipevine, and also a caterpillar and butterfly.
Another favorite is the Datura, or moonflower plant. Its big white flowers open at night, attracting the Sphinx moth. I watch these beautiful fragrant flowers slowly unfurl on summer evenings. The large moths arrive, feed on the nectar, and lay eggs on the leaves. This inspired my oil painting, “Still Enough” which shows moonflowers, moths, and paper lantens in my garden.
My daily exercise is usually going for a trail walk, where I can observe the seasonal cycles of plants, insects and animals. I am consistently inspired by my natural environment. It is my hope to honor the specific beauty and diversity of my place on this beautiful planet.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to enjoy life by appreciating beauty and diversity, and by doing so, to help others do the same in their own way.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think people might not understand that inspiration and ideas happen at any time, anywhere. In this sense, I am constantly thinking about and planning compositions and projects in my head. The process of painting often begins way before I pick up a brush.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.clairgaston.com
• Instagram: @clairgastonfineart
• Other: Etsy shop: ClairGastonFineArt